Draconic Games

As the name implies, these games are held exclusively by the draconin nations. Both Fafnia, and Doh'garus compete in these games. They arose shortly after the first draconic nation was founded, as a way to celebrate the New World.

History

This sport is a huge part of draconic culture, and has been since the First Age after arrival. At first, it was exclusive to mass, professional gatherings with private, or local matches were illegal. This was before the Fafnian civil war. After the war, Fafnia revised its laws, and legalized many previously banned things, including the hosting of small scale, or local draconic games. It started off as simply two draconin warriors in a ring, clad in heavy, ornate plate armor, wielding dulled weapons engaging in one-on-one combat. Private, and local matches did not have the funding to purchase such items, so they used wooden weapons, and wore basic padding. More adult gatherings may have the contenders donning only small rags, just enough to stay decent.
Over time, more game, and match types were added to the games, to include wrestling, archery contests, javelin throws, or even zaerta wrangling. Only since the middle of the second age have females been allowed to compete. Very rarely does a non-draconin compete, and any time they do, it leaves most of the audience divided. On one side, a non-draconin has never won the competition. This brings pride to the people, and reassures them that the draconin are the superior race. On the other hand, if there is no chance that any others can win, why have them compete at all?

Execution

The games have always signified how Horoth rose to fight, and saved the refugees while they escaped a dying Old World. For the dueling match type, the two contenders must first choose their weapons, and armor. (If armor is available, such as in a professional match) In professional matches, the most popular weapon is a greatsword, though in local, or private matches, participants tend to favor the quarterstaff. First to strike their opponent gets one point. You must strike hard enough to hear the impact if using metal armor. Unarmored events require only a reaction from the one whom you've struck. (typically a painful one) If you manage to strike your opponent with their own weapon in this way, two points are awarded. You are allowed to grab your opponent in any way, excluding the horns, or reproductive area. You are not, however allowed to pull their armor off their body. Either of these offenses will give the point to your opponent. The first to twenty points wins the match.
The wrestling match type also features only two opponents. No armor is worn, and no weapons drawn. The goal is to pin your opponent down on their back for five seconds. Each round is worth one point. Whoever has the most points after thirty minutes wins the match. No physical attacks are allowed in this competition, as it is simply a display of physical strength.
The archery match type is more flexible as far as the amount of participants. Each participant would have their own target, and are given one hundred arrows. The type of bow is ultimately up to the individuals, with the only real restriction being that it must be a non-magical bow, and it cannot be a Draconic Thunderbow. The different rings of the target are worth more points the closer to the center, which is called the dragon's eye. Each contestant takes tuns firing at their target. Often times, each round will have some unique twist to it, making it more challenging, and more interesting to watch. These include obstacles that rest between the archer, and his or her target, or a mechanism which causes the target to move. The one with the most points after their arrows are spent wins.
The javelin throw is another match type in which the number of contestants can vary. The object is to throw the javelin as far as possible in such a way where the tip sticks in the ground. Like the other competition types, magically enhanced gear is banned. There are nine rounds in the match, each round, the contenders take turns throwing their javelin. The turn order is determined by a practice throw, in which all contenders throw their javelin simultaneously. The turn order after that goes whomever threw their javelin furthest, to the nearest. Each round, one point goes to whomever throws their javelin the furthest, while still landing the tip in the ground. Whoever has the most points after those nine rounds wins the match.
Zaerta wrangling is the most dangerous of the different game types. Only one participant is allowed. The object is to use a theosite chain to stop a zaerta from charging around an arena. The one wrangling the zaerta is allowed to do so in any way they see fit so long as it does not harm the animal. The most popular approach is to wrap the chain around the animal's legs, and cause it to trip. The goal is to do so as quickly, and safely as possible. Once you have done so, your time is compared to the time of other participants. At the end of a string of events that lasts around a week, the winner is chosen among all who competed in the same string of events.

Components and tools

The items required vary based on the event. Professional dueling events require decorated plate armor, and dulled weapons, while private, or local events cannot afford such items, so wooden weapons are carved for the contenders, and some basic padding is made. The wrestling match type requires no equipment. The archery match type requires bows, arrows, and targets. The javelin toss simply requires enough javelins to supply to contestants. The zaerta wrangling event requires a theosite chain, and a zaerta.

Observance

Any, and all are welcome to observe these events. While professional matches may require a fee to enter, most local, or private matches are open without such fees.